KAMPALA, Uganda — African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has hailed Uganda's leadership in advancing peace and stability in Somalia, describing the country's contribution to regional security as indispensable during the 2nd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The summit, hosted by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kampala, brought together Heads of State and Government from AUSSOM troop-contributing countries, the leadership of the Federal Republic of Somalia and senior African Union officials to assess the mission's progress and discuss its future.

Addressing the gathering, Youssouf thanked the Government and people of Uganda for hosting the high-level meeting and commended President Museveni for convening the summit at a pivotal moment for Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

He said Uganda has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting peace, security and regional stability, particularly through its long-standing contribution to African Union peace support operations in Somalia.

The AU Commission Chair also paid tribute to the military, police and civilian personnel serving under AUSSOM, applauding their professionalism, courage and sacrifice in supporting Somalia's stabilisation, protecting civilians and helping strengthen state institutions.

Reaffirming the African Union's solidarity with Somalia, Youssouf said the continental body remains committed to supporting the Somali government as it works toward lasting peace, security and sustainable development.

A major focus of his address was the financial sustainability of AUSSOM. He called on the international community and development partners to strengthen collaboration with the African Union in securing predictable, adequate and sustainable funding for the mission.

He stressed that long-term financial support would enable Somalia to take greater ownership of its peace, security and stabilisation agenda while safeguarding the gains already achieved against extremist threats.

On the sidelines of the summit, Youssouf held bilateral talks with President Museveni, where the two leaders reviewed the evolving security situations in the Great Lakes region and South Sudan.

During the discussions, the AU Commission Chair sought Uganda's continued engagement in regional peace initiatives and called for sustained support for inclusive political dialogue aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting durable stability across the two regions.

The Kampala summit is expected to shape the next phase of AUSSOM by reinforcing African-led solutions to security challenges while mobilising stronger international backing for the mission. It also underscores Uganda's growing diplomatic influence in regional peace and security affairs as the country continues to play a central role in mediation, peacekeeping and conflict resolution across the continent.